Mucho Bueno! PLF Sets New Standards

When pharmaceutical company Alter Farmacia moved its production facilities for powdered infant milk to Spain, it turned to PLF International and Spanish partners Inemur to meet the stringent packaging requirements. The new equipment incorporated a cutting edge and ground-breaking design, including PLF’s highly sophisticated pre-gassing system, in order to provide a reliable and cost effective filling and packaging line.

Key to the development of the new production facility was the integration of an automated robotic system, which was capable of de-palletising cans prior to filling. This also included the functionality to insert scoops into the cans at the same time as the product itself, offering flexible and simple handling. This specialised process, developed exclusively by PLF, provides increased accuracy during filling, as well as a higher production capacity.

Alter Farmacia’s position as market leader in the Spanish pharmaceutical industry and, more specifically, as one of the largest producers of powdered infant milk, required the project to incorporate a detailed and well-managed approach. Consequently, PLF and Inemur liaised with local project managers and installation engineers to ensure the custom-built machine was delivered and commissioned on time, and to the exacting requirements. Located in Madrid, the installation has become a landmark reference for other companies in European and Latin American countries, especially as it is the first line to be installed in Spain with the PLF pre-gassing system.

Commenting on the project, PLF’s International Director, Ian Hillaby, said: “We are delighted that Alter Farmacia chose PLF International as the supplier of its powder-filling requirements, and proud that the installation is now a key Spanish and South European reference. It is always gratifying to witness the successful completion of an installation, but it would not have been possible without the help, assistance and local knowledge of our partners Inemur.

“We were always confident in the technology’s capability to meet the stringent operational, hygiene and quality-control needs of Alter Farmacia. However, gaining the company’s trust – to the extent that the installation can now act as an operational reference for other organisations – is incredibly flattering indeed.”

During the planning phase of the project, Alter Farmacia considered a number of different factors before awarding the contract. However, the combination of PLF International’s reputation for world-class vacuum-based powder filling machines, and Inemur’s previous experience in other projects, ensured a highly successful collaboration.

Throughout all phases of the project, locally-based Inemur developed the necessary engineering requirements, including handling negotiations and liaising in the local language, while PLF supplied the custom-built packaging equipment.

Source: PLF International Ltd